Gullivers Travels I - Lilliput

 
Jonathan Swift (1667 - 1745) intended Gulliver's Travels as an incisive satire on Man, while presenting the surface appearance of a fairy story. Lilliput is in fact a miniature version of the England of Swift's time, with its many institutions (Government and Church), historical events ( the Reformation and the English Civil War) satirized in Gulliver's description of this strange country in which he finds himself. He has been shipwrecked and washed ashore in Lilliput, where the tiny inhabitants hold him captive. However after he proves his good behaviour he is set free and is asked by the King to help save Lilliput from an invasion by the neighbouring island of Blefuscu. Single-handedly he captures the whole enemy navy and becomes a hero. As a reward he is honoured with a noble title. However because of his new elevated status he becomes the target of plots by jealous people at court. When he finds out about these he escapes to the neighbouring island, from where he makes his way back to his own world.
 

 
Omens; pulleys; exaggerated; Council; implored; cavalry; traditions; horizon; seamstresses; liberty; rebellions; slavery.
 

 
Class Discussion:

• Explain and discuss the key words.
• Looking at a map of the world are there any areas that have not yet been explored by people from these islands?
• Can the children describe the strangest places they have ever been in?

 
Whole class:

• The people of Lilliput were at first afraid of Gulliver because he looked so different from them. Why are people afraid of others who look different?
• The people were hospitable to Gulliver. How did they show this hospitality?
• Lilliput is ruled by a King. What is the name given to such a society?
• The King lived in a palace. Can the children name any well known palaces?
• The Council helped the king to make decisions. Can the children name any local Councils. Can they name any councillors?
• Councillors are usually members of political parties. Can the children name any political parties?
• There is a tradition in Lilliput which causes great disagreement amongst the people. What is it? Do the children think the actual issue itself is very important? Why does it seem so serious to the people?
• Do the children know of any other such traditions which in themselves do not seem very important - but are?

Discussion points:

• In Lilliput there are strict rules about cracking eggs. Why do people need rules? Does your school have rules ? What are the rules in the classroom? When you play games do you make up rules?
• At home people have rules about how to behave, what TV you can or can't watch, and when. Do you fit in with other rules when you visit other houses?
• The Council wanted one type of punishment for Gulliver, but the King wanted a different one; and he got his way. Why was there no vote? What is the name of a society where everyone has a vote and an equal say?
• Discuss how the children might arrange a ballot on some class issue and use the voting card worksheet.
• Or why not organise a parliament in your class?
• Gulliver did not want to make slaves of the people of Blefuscu. What is slavery? Does it exist anywhere in the world today? When did slavery end in Britain?

 
WORKSHEETS

 
Click on the arrow below to download the worksheet for this programme.